Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival 2026

• January 30, 2026 at 9:43 pm
  Event date:
• March 1, 2026 at 9:43 pm
  Event end:

A Magical Winter Wonderland of Snow Houses & Hot Springs in Tochigi

From January 30 (Fri) to March 1 (Sun), 2026, the quiet mountain town of Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, transforms into a dreamy, snow-covered landscape filled with miniature kamakura (snow huts), glowing candles, and hot spring charm. Held annually, the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival is one of the most visually striking winter events in Japan.

What to Expect

The festival offers three unique venues — each presenting a different way to enjoy the snow:

1. Sawaguchi Riverbed Mini Kamakura

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, hundreds of tiny glowing snow domes are set up across the riverbed and illuminated by hand-lit candles. This dazzling display has earned recognition as a Japan Night View Heritage Site, one of the Kanto Region’s Three Great Night Views, and part of Tochigi’s Seven Great Illuminations.

• Illumination Days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only
• Time: 17:30–21:00
• Entry: Free
• Tip: The entire scene is handmade each week by locals using carved molds. Bring a camera and warm shoes!

2. Heike no Sato Village

This open-air museum recreates a traditional Heike clan village with snow-covered thatched-roof houses and full-sized kamakura. Both day and night offer fantastic views of the glowing snow huts against historic buildings. It feels like a step back into feudal Japan.

• Open Daily: 9:00–21:00 (last entry at 20:45)
• Illumination Time: 17:30–21:00
• Entry Fee: ¥510 adults / ¥250 children (elementary & junior high)
• Note: Visitors are not allowed to enter the kamakura

3. Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato Snow Park

A perfect spot for families and children to enjoy snowy activities like sledding, snow play, and even a relaxing dip in a hot spring bath.

• Opening Hours: 10:00–15:00 (last admission 14:00)
• Closed on Wednesdays
• Hot Spring Access: Until 19:00 (last entry 18:00)
• Fee: ¥1,200 for adults, ¥600 for children
• Includes: Sled rental + access to Mizu no Sato hot spring bath + park entry

Festival Highlights

• Handmade Mini Kamakura: Each glowing snow dome is crafted and lit by hand — a truly heartfelt winter art form.
• Traditional Heike Culture: Learn about the samurai of the Heike clan and enjoy historical ambience at Heike no Sato.
• Hot Springs & Winter Fun: After sightseeing or sledding, warm up in natural hot spring baths.
• Photo Opportunities: Especially magical at dusk and after dark — ideal for night photography enthusiasts.

Basic Information

• Event Dates: January 30 (Fri) to March 1 (Sun), 2026
• Festival Times:
  • Sawaguchi Riverbed: Illuminations 17:30–21:00 (Fri–Sun only)
  • Heike no Sato: Open daily 9:00–21:00, lights from 17:30
  • Mizu no Sato Snow Park: 10:00–15:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
  • Hot Springs at Mizu no Sato: 10:00–19:00
• Entry Fees:
  • Sawaguchi Riverbed: Free
  • Heike no Sato: ¥510 (adults), ¥250 (children)
  • Snow Park + Hot Spring: ¥1,200 (adults), ¥600 (children)

Getting There

By Train and Bus:

• From Tokyo (Asakusa or Shinjuku): Take the JR or Tobu Limited Express to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (~2 hours)
• From there, transfer to the Yagan Railway Aizu-Kinugawa Line to Yunishigawa-Onsen Station
• Take a local bus (~25 mins) to Yunishigawa Onsen (get off at the last stop)
• Walk approx. 5 minutes to the festival venues

By Car:

• About 60 minutes from Imaichi IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Expressway
• Parking is available but limited, especially on weekends — public transport is recommended

Good to Know

• Parking and roads may be snowy — winter tires required
• Pets are not allowed inside the festival areas (guide dogs are OK)
• No drones are permitted
• The entire festival area is family-friendly
• Camera tripods and night gear are recommended for photography lovers

Contact & Venue Info

• Main Town: Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
• Phone: 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association)
• Heike no Sato Website: https://www.heikenosato.com/index.html
• Mizu no Sato Info: https://yunishigawa-mizunosato.jp/

Video

Location